We have been coming here for special occasions since they opened over a decade ago and have never been disappointed! Things that are challenging to prepare, like octopus and calamari— are mouthwateringly delicious here. Be sure to get the mushroom side dish with the egg yolk, we always get two orders because they are so good!
Angela
Even though we made a reservation our table was not ready when we got there. We sat at the bar and still a table was not ready. We ended up getting seating in not the main dining room.
Gary
We used to enjoy this restaurant. Not so much after this visit. The bread crumbs on the first batch of baked oysters were actually burned black. I could smell the burn before the server set them down. I sent them back but they should never have left the kitchen. The second batch were fine and a good appetizer dish. My spouse had the mushrooms which were good but a much smaller portion than they used to serve. BUT, it was 20 minutes between the time they served the oysters and her appetizer. The manager explained the kitchen was busy. My scallop main course was ok but I thought the scallops were smallish and overcooked but the beans were very tasty. The restaurants adds a "kitchen tip" of over 3 percent to the meal, including on the wine. Then you are asked to leave a tip for servers on the cost of the meal, which includes the kitchen tip so you are leaving a tip on a tip. I almost always leave a tip of 20 % or more on a meal but left 18% because of that. Maybe this was a one off experience but I won't be going back soon
Hjalmar
The oysters were delicious and really do not need the ketchup, or other condiments. Cavatelli in black squid ink are very tasty.
Pamela
There were 3 of us at The Whelk. The service was incredible from the start. Oysters, salads, seafood and lobster pasta, all delicious! Really fresh. Did t have room for dessert - next time!
Margot
Every dish was absolutely delicious! Staff was friendly and attentive - ambiance was great We really enjoyed our dinner.
Adria
The food wasn't as good as it has been in the pst. Dinner portions were small and served on appetizer size plates as well.
Marc
We've been to the Whelk a number of times but mostly for lunch. This was our second time visiting for dinner and it was more enjoyable than our first visit. The food, as always, was excellent and the service and appearance of the restaurant area always top notch as well, but this time as opposed to last the crowd seemed a bit lighter, the noise level a bit lower and the vibe a bit mellower. All welcome changes, possibly due to the expanded dining area outside? In any case, as a result The Whelk is now a fave of ours for both lunch and dinner!! Well done!!
Marnie
Unfortunately the owners have changed and a lot of our favorite items were removed from the menu. Items that were staples from the original menu (fish stew, shrimp and grits, trout dip) We were extremely disappointed and mot overly impressed with the new items that we ordered. Not for the cost, that is for sure.
Charles
Food and service were great. The only negative was an unwelcoming hostess who did not make an effort to be pleasant nor said goodbye on our way out. Unfortunate but the rest of our experience was good.
Very long wait after ordering and between courses even though it was early and the restaurant was only half full. Portions were small and prices high. The roasted oysters were the only dish that was exceptional. Everything else was good but not memorable. As it was early, we could have conversation but I know it gets unbearably loud when the restaurant is full.
Jessica
Delicious!! I have celiac disease and there were gluten free options. Ask to see the GF menu. Oysters and crudo were so good!
Marie
Overall, it was a pleasant dining experience. I found the menu to be a bit limiting, but it was a nice vibe for a casual birthday dinner. The one thing I hated, however, was the house dirty martini...worst thing I've ever tasted. As someone who loves a good dirty martini, this was awful. The house brine sounded interesting, but what was delivered tasted like cheese in a glass...stick to another cocktail or a wine to be safe.
Donna
I usually like the whelk. I was disappointed in the food this time.I ordered the lobster orchiaetta. Lobster was not at all fresh, and very chewy; like it was over cooked. I didn't care for the sauce much either. Our appetizer of smoked trout dip came with old-fashioned white bread. That was a big turn off and I would never eat white bread. We had to order a side of raw vegetables which cost extra.
Chrissey
The Whelk continues to be a delight. New menu items are even better than before, even the home made brine for dirty martinis is incredible. Innovation at its highest to date, I'm making a weekly reservation because it's just that good.
We have been coming here for special occasions since they opened over a decade ago and have never been disappointed! Things that are challenging to prepare, like octopus and calamari— are mouthwateringly delicious here. Be sure to get the mushroom side dish with the egg yolk, we always get two orders because they are so good!
Even though we made a reservation our table was not ready when we got there. We sat at the bar and still a table was not ready. We ended up getting seating in not the main dining room.
We used to enjoy this restaurant. Not so much after this visit. The bread crumbs on the first batch of baked oysters were actually burned black. I could smell the burn before the server set them down. I sent them back but they should never have left the kitchen. The second batch were fine and a good appetizer dish. My spouse had the mushrooms which were good but a much smaller portion than they used to serve. BUT, it was 20 minutes between the time they served the oysters and her appetizer. The manager explained the kitchen was busy. My scallop main course was ok but I thought the scallops were smallish and overcooked but the beans were very tasty. The restaurants adds a "kitchen tip" of over 3 percent to the meal, including on the wine. Then you are asked to leave a tip for servers on the cost of the meal, which includes the kitchen tip so you are leaving a tip on a tip. I almost always leave a tip of 20 % or more on a meal but left 18% because of that. Maybe this was a one off experience but I won't be going back soon
The oysters were delicious and really do not need the ketchup, or other condiments. Cavatelli in black squid ink are very tasty.
There were 3 of us at The Whelk. The service was incredible from the start. Oysters, salads, seafood and lobster pasta, all delicious! Really fresh. Did t have room for dessert - next time!
Every dish was absolutely delicious! Staff was friendly and attentive - ambiance was great We really enjoyed our dinner.
The food wasn't as good as it has been in the pst. Dinner portions were small and served on appetizer size plates as well.
We've been to the Whelk a number of times but mostly for lunch. This was our second time visiting for dinner and it was more enjoyable than our first visit. The food, as always, was excellent and the service and appearance of the restaurant area always top notch as well, but this time as opposed to last the crowd seemed a bit lighter, the noise level a bit lower and the vibe a bit mellower. All welcome changes, possibly due to the expanded dining area outside? In any case, as a result The Whelk is now a fave of ours for both lunch and dinner!! Well done!!
Unfortunately the owners have changed and a lot of our favorite items were removed from the menu. Items that were staples from the original menu (fish stew, shrimp and grits, trout dip) We were extremely disappointed and mot overly impressed with the new items that we ordered. Not for the cost, that is for sure.
Food and service were great. The only negative was an unwelcoming hostess who did not make an effort to be pleasant nor said goodbye on our way out. Unfortunate but the rest of our experience was good.
Restaurantji Recommends
Very long wait after ordering and between courses even though it was early and the restaurant was only half full. Portions were small and prices high. The roasted oysters were the only dish that was exceptional. Everything else was good but not memorable. As it was early, we could have conversation but I know it gets unbearably loud when the restaurant is full.
Delicious!! I have celiac disease and there were gluten free options. Ask to see the GF menu. Oysters and crudo were so good!
Overall, it was a pleasant dining experience. I found the menu to be a bit limiting, but it was a nice vibe for a casual birthday dinner. The one thing I hated, however, was the house dirty martini...worst thing I've ever tasted. As someone who loves a good dirty martini, this was awful. The house brine sounded interesting, but what was delivered tasted like cheese in a glass...stick to another cocktail or a wine to be safe.
I usually like the whelk. I was disappointed in the food this time.I ordered the lobster orchiaetta. Lobster was not at all fresh, and very chewy; like it was over cooked. I didn't care for the sauce much either. Our appetizer of smoked trout dip came with old-fashioned white bread. That was a big turn off and I would never eat white bread. We had to order a side of raw vegetables which cost extra.
The Whelk continues to be a delight. New menu items are even better than before, even the home made brine for dirty martinis is incredible. Innovation at its highest to date, I'm making a weekly reservation because it's just that good.
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